The San Marino Christian Democratic Party (Pdcs) is standing firmly behind the turnout recorded at the 53rd Festa dell’Amicizia and has responded to assessments that appeared in the press regarding how the event unfolded. Just days after the close of the gathering in Piazza Bertoldi, the Pdcs used a statement to present its own account of the three evenings.
“The images accompanying these words tell, with great clarity, the story of our people’s participation in the 53rd Festa dell’Amicizia: three evenings marked by a turnout capable of filling — more and more each day — Piazza Bertoldi and the various spaces of the event, something that happens at no other summer festival, except on institutional occasions,” the statement reads.
According to the party, the event drew families, young people, members, supporters and numerous San Marino citizens, alternating entertainment with moments dedicated to political debate. The Pdcs also highlighted the contribution of the volunteers involved in organising the festival.
In the statement, the Christian Democratic Party also addressed the assessments made about the party and its ability to interpret the current political moment. “It is always legitimate to offer assessments of the Christian Democratic Party, of its ability to interpret the present, and of the challenges that lie ahead. But every assessment should start from the facts, without partial readings or portrayals that fail to reflect what thousands of people were able to see for themselves by taking part in the Festa”.
The Pdcs describes the Festa dell’Amicizia as an event that, over more than half a century of history, has grown beyond the boundaries of a traditional party rally. “For more than fifty years, this Festa has not simply been a party event, but has become a time and a place for meeting, socialising and dialogue, where political initiatives, in-depth discussions, music and conviviality all coexist. This year too, that formula has proven to be alive and capable of engaging a wide range of people”.
The statement was more pointed when addressing the press. “We cannot fail to note that part of the press has once again tried to play down a result that we believe should instead be acknowledged, because it reflects the reality of the facts: a very well-attended Festa, a square packed for three nights running, and a political community that continues to come together, engage in debate and look to the future,” the party said.
At the same time, the Christian Democratic Party acknowledged the need to keep working on its political vision. “The San Marino Christian Democratic Party is aware that, in order to continue enjoying this level of support and to keep its political proposal relevant, it needs the capacity to listen, a sense of responsibility and a willingness to renew itself. This has been a defining feature of the Party at least from 2012 to the present day”.
The statement closes by returning to the criticism it received: “That said, journalistic opinions can differ, and written words can tell stories that are not true. The facts, however, remain. And the images from the Festa dell’Amicizia show that clearly — and prove it”.
